How to Clean Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the world's most naturally hygienic materials and is also one of the most visually appealing. To ensure that both of these qualities are maintained, it is crucial that the material is kept impeccably clean; this is especially true of areas in which hygiene is of paramount importance, such as medical facilities and food production/­preparation environments. Fortunately, keeping stainless steel clean is relatively easy, especially when compared to other materials. 

Stainless steel is very smooth, which is one of the reasons why it is so inherently hygienic as it does not offer nooks and crannies for bacteria to gain a foothold in. The alloy mix contains chromium, which reacts with oxygen in the air to form a layer of chromium oxide on the surface. This layer is known as the 'passive layer' as, unlike iron oxide (rust) it is highly unreactive.

Establishing and maintaining a regular cleaning routine is the best way to ensure that stainless steel continues to offer the best performance. That said, a stainless steel surfaces that is used frequently can become discoloured, which negatively impacts its visual appearance in addition to diminishing its capacity to resist corrosion. In all cases, it is important to choose the most appropriate grade and finish for each particular application.  

For the vast majority of applications, stainless steel can be quickly and easily cleaned with ordinary soap/detergent and water (and perhaps a bit of elbow grease!). Ammonia can be used but this should be massively diluted to a concentration of just 1% in water. 

When choosing a detergent, always check the label to ensure that the formula does not contain bleach or chlorides; these can damage the stainless steel surface, particularly after repeated applications. Use a soft cloth as abrasive cleaners like scouring pads can also cause damage. After cleaning as described, use plenty of water to rinse the area.   

For more stubborn marks, there are numerous commercial cleaning products that are designed for use on stainless steel. Always apply these according to the manufacturer's instructions. 

Different grades of stainless steel in various environments require cleaning at different frequencies: you can refer to the handy chart on our website for more details. A good rule of thumb is to clean stainless steel surfaces as soon as they become dirty; leaving the dirt to build up will only make the cleaning process harder. 

This is the first in a series of articles aimed at answering some of the most common questions that people have about stainless steel. To receive forthcoming articles in this informative series, please take a moment to subscribe to our newsletter.